Their transplanted dopamine neurons appeared healthy and showed no signs of Parkinson's disease-associated deterioration.

The findings provide further support for stem cells as a source for transplant-ready dopamine neurons, the study authors said. Isacson noted that neuronal transplant has proven to be a durable treatment for many Parkinson's patients, with some improving for years without any need for standard medications.

13 Replies

Now THAT is the kind of news I want to see - especially after reading that 2012 study you seem particularly fond of posting implying a 6-year life expectancy from time of original PD diagnosis.

Personally, I prefer the earlier, better controlled 2009 study and it's prognosis: 'People with Parkinson’s Have Normal Life Expectancy' pdf.org/en/science_news/rel... (especially in light of the pace and frequency of new, emerging studies and therapies)

Why is this therapy not being used on PWP? How much time must pass before anyone declares it safe for treatment? This really frustrates me so much. If there is a treatment that is having a positive effect the symptoms, then why not use it. It even stated that no further need for standard medication i would love to do this procedure .....

Is it really true !!! ; Many leading hospitals in India claim having treated PD by Stem Cells ; but I have not got any references of patients from hospitals who have been cured of PD by Stem Cells Therapy . I came across only one PD patient who has undergone Stem Cells Therapy ; by IV method from one the leading hospital in Bangalore India , but out come is not yet positive. One has to take 3 shots of IV with gap of 3 to 6 Months ; it is too early to say anything positive. From your above article ; it appears to be positive , can I have details about hospital , country and any patients reference ; this would be of great help to me and fellow sufferers of PD. Please drop mail to my ID :ramanath.tarekere@gmail.com

I’m sorry for my late reply. I spoke with Dr. Isacson, and unfortunately because he is not a clinician he cannot recommend treatments. The clinical study described in the article has ended, and there are no new studies underway at this time. While the study shows the effectiveness of cell therapy for Parkinson's disease, the use of stem cells for cell therapy will need more research before any human trials are started. For reference, a current listing of McLean Hospital clinical trials can always be found at mclean.harvard.edu/research... It doesn't look like we have an Parkinson's studies underway at the moment, but that could change in the future. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t be of more help, and I appreciate you reaching out.

I’m sorry for my late reply. I spoke with Dr. and unfortunately because he is not a clinician he cannot recommend treatments. The clinical study described in the article has ended, and there are no new studies underway at this time. While the study shows the effectiveness of cell therapy for Parkinson's disease, the use of stem cells for cell therapy will need more research before any human trials are started. For reference, a current listing of McLean Hospital clinical trials can always be found at mclean.harvard.edu/research... It doesn't look like we have an Parkinson's studies underway at the moment, but that could change in the future. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t be of more help, and I appreciate you reaching out.